The Writer's Pen

Two years ago, an 18-month-old Catahoola Cur named Gabby became part of our family. We had been without a dog since the previous January, when our beloved chocolate Labrador Heidi left us. For the second time in our lives, Cheri and I agreed we would have no more dogs.

The loss of Heidi did leave a huge hole in our hearts, and life was not the same for us. After our daughter got a new dog, our resolve to never have another one started to weaken. Finally, in August of that year we decided to start looking at shelters and considering bringing another dog into our household. We did not realize adopting a rescue dog now meant needing our own resume as pet owners. After our vet gave us a glowing report of pet ownership, we traveled to Milford to the Humane Society. It was there we met Gabby, and it was love at first sight. There was also a cute puppy there and we briefly considered bringing them both home, but we quickly came to our senses and decided upon only one, Gabby.

As with any rescue dog, Gabby had her history. She had been brought to an animal shelter in Hot Springs, S.D., after having been born on a reservation in western South Dakota. She then spent time in Valentine, Neb., before winding up at Milford. We also were informed that she had previously been adopted here and was brought back by the family saying she was too nervous. We looked at each other and simultaneously said,"This is the calmest dog we have ever seen."

The first couple of months were a time for bonding. I had just begun my new job opening up the YMCA at 4:30 in the morning, so I decided to have Gabby go with me on my morning walks. To my surprise she was ready to go each morning regardless of the weather, so we paraded around Everly at 2:30 a.m., for a 45-minute walk. Eventually, for safety sake I got a fluorescent vest and we got a lighted collar for Gabby. We figured not only would it keep us safe, it would also keep anyone from thinking we were burglars at that time of the morning.

Another unusual thing about Gabby is that she almost never barks. Throughout her time with us we can almost count on a single hand how many times she has barked. She does at times howl when a shrill noise hurts her ears. She also has learned to talk with us in a series of low whines and yowls that tells us what she wants.

For the first several months she was the "perfect dog," with few annoying habits. We knew she had become comfortable with her new home and was convinced she was here to stay. We then started seeing some playfulness and some mischievousness. Cherie went to put on her shoes one morning only to find the shoelaces had been chewed, but not the shoes. I found my favorite South Dakota baseball cap with a piece chewed in the middle of the brim. She also began to bring my boots or shoes from my bedroom and place them in front of the door as a not so subtle way of telling me it was time for our walk. She has also become an indoor gardener, but she only trims the spider plant.

Gabby also loves kids and thrives on attention from almost everyone. She easily makes friends with the neighborhood dogs and chases bunnies or cats – not to catch them, but just for fun. Our daughter's Australian Shepherd and our other daughter's Chihuahua are notable exceptions to her friendliness.

About her nervousness. We have found things that scare her. When on my Saturday walks, I usually stop at a friend's house for coffee. On one of our first visits, my friend saw a fly, grabbed a fly swatter and with a loud bang got rid of the fly. We looked where Gabby was, and she was in the corner shaking. It took a couple of months for her to warm up to that friend again. Any loud sudden noises (especially fireworks) can upset her.

Over the last two years, Gabby has certainly found her way into our hearts. Is she spoiled? Absolutely! She has her own rain-coat for stormy days, and her "thunder jacket" to calm her nerves when she is frightened. She receives her 'dental treat' from Cheri every evening at the same time, and she shares my yogurt with me every morning after our walks. She lets us know what she wants from us, and that she wants it now. Gabby is a rescue dog, but I sometimes wonder who was really rescued.

David Hoye lives in Everly. He is the author of five books, and his latest, Bits and Pieces, can be found on Amazon and WestBow Press.